Well... Let's just say I have learned to have patience and leave the fleece the hell alone when it's hot!
I was trying to card my fleece and I've found a few felted bits... But only tiny clumps, so I think I can say overall the first attempt went well.
So after watching YouTube clips on using food dye to colour wool I decided to try it on some fleece I had washed (or scoured if you want to use the proper term).
I used an empty margarine tub which I know won't melt in the microwave, I splashed some vinegar in the bottom to cover the base of the container. Then I added cold water and enough food colouring to make a dark liquid. Then I added wool... I gently pushed the wool down in the liquid until it was completely covered and also gently pushed out as many air bubbles as I could.
Now to see if this works..... I put it in my microwave and set it on 80% power for 8 minutes. I then removed it and added more water if it looked a little low (I don't want the wool to singe). I also put my spoon in to check if the water had cleared - as this means that the colour has been exhausted and has been absorbed by the wool.
When the water looked different I removed the tub and let it cool. Then I rinsed the wool and set it out to dry.
I'm pleased with the result.... I can't wait to card it and spin it!
So much has happened since I last wrote anything - I'm now the proud mom of 2 - yes 2 - kids. My youngest is already 18 months old and my eldest starts Reception on Tuesday!
Bloody Hell where did the time go?
Anyway - even with the addition to my munchkins and getting 2 cats from the RSPCA, I have now taken up knitting knockers for a wonderful group known as KNITTED KNOCKERS UK (www.knittedknockersuk.com) who knit knockers for women who have lost some of themselves to breast cancer. The knockers go out for free to all ladies requesting one via the website. Their catch phrase of "made with love, filled with hope" is one that touches many women in this day and age.
I've also started taking my drop-spindle a little more seriously and I am almost done making my second single ready for plying... GULP! I'm hoping all will go well - I really would love to wear something from yarn I have handspun....
Did I mention that my dear husband also bought me 1.5kgs of raw fleece? 500g was Jacobs fleece - really pretty and so soft! It's a mixture of greys and blacks and will make a super shawl for the upcoming winter months - perfect for work! And 1kg of natural white Merino fleece.
I've washed all the Jacobs fleece and have started washing the Merino - the Merino is even softer and fluffier than the Jacobs fleece (which I never thought could be possible).
With winter fast approaching I want to have all my fleece washed and dried - I need all my indoor drying space for clothes!
I'm hoping to keep you posted with all my adventures (and I must admit that I will add the misadventures in the spinning and fleecing washing too) so that we can share information and help each other avoid mistakes!
